Surkov reappointed as Putin’s aide
Russian Presidential Aide Vladislav Surkov, the person responsible for collaboration with Abkhazia , South Ossetia and Donbas, has been reappointed to the same position.
This was announced on the Kremlin’s official website, and the corresponding decree was signed by Vladimir Putin.
“Surkov Vladislav Yuryevich was appointed as the aide to the President of the Russian Federation,” the announcement states.
The decree is valid from the date of signing.
Recently there were rumors in the Russian media that Surkov might be dismissed. Among the reasons discussed for his possible dismissal was the failure of his strategy with respect to Ukraine.
The last meeting between US State Department Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker and Surkov took place in Dubai at the end of January, when they attempted to agree on a format for the Donbas peacekeeping mission. After the meeting, it was reported that no result had been achieved.
In April, Putin’s Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the negotiations between Volker and Surkov would be put on hold.